THE POWER OF ART IN KIAMAIKO TERRITORIES.

Kiamaiko, a neighbourhood often shadowed by its rough reputation, hides an unexpected treasure—its vibrant art scene. Amidst territorial divisions and everyday struggles, two graffiti artists, Ranking and K-shocker, are transforming the streets, using their talent to unite communities once divided by invisible borders. Their journey through art is both inspiring and unconventional.

During my recent visit to Kiamaiko, I made a fascinating discovery. Kiamaiko, a place often shunned by society for its negative reputation, is actually teeming with life and creativity. Despite its bustling streets, few people know of the daily activities happening there. The area, densely populated, has been home to hardworking men and women engaging in various jobs to earn a modest living. At the same time, Kenya continues to grapple with security challenges, particularly in Nairobi’s metropolitan suburbs. Crime is a constant reality, and Kiamaiko is no exception, with petty crimes and offences occurring regularly. However, what is often overlooked in this narrative is Kiamaiko’s thriving art scene, which tells a different, hopeful story.

Kiamaiko is divided into several distinct territories: Gagwas, Georgetown, Westside, and London. These areas are often controlled by different gangs, who protect their regions and are prepared to defend their turf. Although this might paint a grim picture of Kiamaiko, a unique form of expression has emerged within its streets—art.

Upon entering Gagwas, the first territory from Outering Road, I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant and colourful graffiti adorning the walls of local businesses. Graffiti, usually associated with crime and vandalism, takes on a different meaning here. In Kiamaiko, the graffiti reflects the culture and vibrancy of the community, rather than gang-related defacement.

My guide, David, shared intriguing details about the various territories and the stories behind the art on the walls. While he hesitated to talk much about the gangs and their activities—since many locals are forbidden from speaking to the police or journalists—he excitedly speaks about the graffiti. Two local artists, Ranking and K-shocker, stood out to him as the leaders of an artistic movement focused on uniting the community.

Our first stop was at Sego Gaming Zone, where the graffiti covering the walls was extraordinary. Sego, like many other local businesses, fosters talent by allowing artists to express themselves on their walls. As I pulled out my camera to capture the vibrant murals, I overheard some boys whispering about how they wished they could develop the same talent as Ranking and K-shocker. It was clear that these artists had become role models within the community.

David explained that both Ranking and K-shocker were born and raised in different territories of Kiamaiko. Despite being from separate areas, the two had become local celebrities. Their work had a common goal: to unite the divided territories of Kiamaiko through art. My interest piqued, and I set off on a mission to track down these artists and learn more about their work.

Curious about how the authorities responded to the graffiti—given that defacing public spaces is technically illegal—I asked David how the police and county ‘askaris’ reacted. To my surprise, he laughed and told me that the officers were among Ranking and K-shocker’s biggest supporters. It seemed that even the authorities recognized the value these artists brought to the community, despite the legal gray area their work occupied.

We moved on to Juggler City, a high-end gaming parlour in Gagwas. From afar, the massive ‘Grand Theft Auto’ mural caught my attention. Inside, a group of young men played video games, and after asking a few questions, they directed me to Georgetown, where K-shocker lived.

Georgetown was the most well-known neighbourhood in Kiamaiko. Not only was it home to one of Nairobi’s largest slaughterhouses, but it also housed several thriving local businesses. The goat head and legs vendors, coffee shops, and chapati stands gave the area its distinct character. On a previous visit, I had interacted with some of the business owners, and their stories of resilience stuck with me. As I walked through Georgetown, I noticed that many of the murals were K-shocker’s work, with his business phone number painted alongside them as an affordable marketing tactic.

Curious, I decided to dial the number and soon found myself speaking to Peter Ng’ang’a, better known as K-shocker. Within minutes, he arrived, and we exchanged greetings before I complimented his work and began our interview. K-shocker was proud to share that he started drawing in 1988. ‘When I began, I wasn’t very good,’ he admitted. ‘I was selling second-hand clothes in Zimmerman and had rented a small shop. To decorate the place, I did some light graffiti. Little did I know that people would notice my work and start hiring me for art-related jobs, rather than buying my clothes.’

As we continued talking, K-shocker expressed his admiration for Ranking, whom he credited as his mentor. Ranking, who started his artistic career in the 1960s, is a highly respected figure in the community. His work inspired K-shocker, whose attention to detail and undeniable talent eventually earned him recognition. Together, they are known as the ‘Kings of Art’ in Kiamaiko.

While K-shocker loved the public appreciation for his work, he admitted that the pressure to meet clients’ demands could be overwhelming. ‘Art takes time and concentration,’ he explained, ‘but sometimes deadlines are just impossible to meet.’ Despite these challenges, K-shocker remained committed to his craft, constantly striving to deliver the best.

As we walked through the neighbourhood, we came across a shop owned by Salim, an entrepreneur whose storefront had been designed by Ranking. ‘Ranking is super talented, and we all appreciate his work here,’ Salim shared. ‘People have talent, but they don’t come close to the King.’ It was clear that Ranking’s artistic influence extended far beyond just the walls he painted.

David then guided me to Westside, a territory that drew inspiration from the infamous East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry of the 1990s. Murals of rap legends Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur covered the walls, honouring the cultural roots of the area. Much like the other territories in Kiamaiko, Westside was united by a love of football, old-school music, and video games, themes that were beautifully reflected in the graffiti.

K-shocker explained that his artwork was driven by the preferences of the people in the community. ‘Whatever they suggest or love, that’s what I create,’ he said. Despite the ongoing territorial rivalries, K-shocker had managed to transcend those divisions with his art. He earned permission to paint freely across Kiamaiko, even in areas where outsiders were typically unwelcome.

Finally, we made our way to London, the last territory I would visit. London had a reputation for being more hostile toward outsiders, especially those with cameras. The streets were almost deserted, and convincing anyone to talk to me was a challenge. After a brief tour, we returned to Georgetown, where my quest to find Ranking would continue.

Although I didn’t get the chance to meet Ranking, I felt honoured to have spoken with K-shocker. He explained that despite the territorial tensions, the gangs in Kiamaiko respected and allowed him to do his work—a rare privilege in such a divided community. ‘Most people don’t even know my real name,’ he joked. ‘But my alias and art have given me recognition in every territory.’

K-shocker’s dedication to his craft was evident. ‘My work isn’t easy, and it requires commitment,’ he said. ‘I work hard every day to achieve this level of excellence.’ He also shared that he held weekly art classes that were open to everyone, a key factor in helping to bridge the divides between the territories. Each piece of his artwork included a positive quote—a personal touch that he believed contributed to his success.

K-shocker hoped that his art would continue to break barriers and sustain peace in Kiamaiko. During my visit, I realized how underrated the local talent in Kiamaiko was. Artists like Ranking and K-shocker deserved far more recognition than they were currently receiving. In a community often overshadowed by its reputation for crime, their art served as a beacon of hope and unity.

Edited by Pius Okore.

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